Varsity–a directing duo consisting of Ben McManus and John Marsico–has joined Stept Films for exclusive spot representation in the U.S. Stept becomes Varsity’s first commercial production company roost.
The comedy partnership formed by McManus and Marsico began when they were a mere seven years old. At heart, they’re simply two best friends who share a lifelong love for creating and entertaining together. For over 20 years, Varsity has been experimenting behind the lens with a shared vision, using its instinct for surrealistic and subtle humor to create visually compelling and well-paced comedic content. They know how to develop characters, craft performances, make discoveries, foster improvisation, shoot for the edit, and deliver engaging and entertaining content that inspires repeat viewings.
Varsity’s first collaboration with Stept entailed concepting, writing, producing and directing Alterra’s “It’s Not Winter, But It Will Be” campaign. The authentic humor and connectivity to the audience align perfectly with Stept’s roots in ski culture. Varsity’s storytelling ability sparked the Alterra brand’s request for an extended partnership going forward.
McManus and Marsico have written and directed a range of projects for brands including Funny or Die, Ikon Ski Pass, Turbo Tax, Hamms Beer, and Columbia. They’re currently developing scripted series for EOne Entertainment and Little Ugly. Varsity also wrote and directed an original series, a mockumentary about a one-man boyband, based off of a treatment by musical artist Lauv. It will start airing in late January.
Stept founder Nick Martini stated, “We’ve found an instant connection with Varsity and they are a great cultural fit for Stept.”
A creative and production studio, Stept maintains bases of operation in Los Angeles and Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
“Heretic” and “Maria” Set As Red Carpet Premieres At AFI Fest
The American Film Institute (AFI) has announced that Heretic, the psychological thriller starring Hugh Grant, and Maria, based on the life of opera singer Maria Callas starring Angelina Jolie, will round out the Red Carpet Premieres section at this year’s AFI Fest. The Heretic Gala Screening will take place on Thursday, October 24, and the Maria Gala Screening will be held on Saturday, October 26. The complete Red Carpet Premieres section includes the world premieres of Music By John Williams, Robert Zemeckis’ Here, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl and Clint Eastwood’s Juror #2. All Red Carpet Premieres will take place at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre. The full lineup for AFI Fest 2024 will be unveiled on October 1.
“At the heart of AFI Fest is an unwavering dedication to celebrating the best in global cinema--together,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI president and CEO. “We look forward to uniting artists and audiences once again to be inspired by the art form in a powerful sense of community.”
Heretic follows two young missionaries (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) who are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong door and are greeted by a diabolical Mr. Reed (portrayed by Grant), becoming ensnared in his deadly game of cat-and-mouse. The film is directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods and produced by Stacey Sher, Beck, Woods, Julia Glausi and Jeanette Volturno. The film will be released nationwide by A24 on November 8.
Directed by Pablo Larraín, Maria presents a tumultuous and beautiful depiction of one of the world’s most renowned artists and reimagines the legendary soprano in her final days in Paris, as Callas (Jolie)... Read More